Acratech Ball Head
(ClearSight USA is an authorized reseller/service center for this item)

Having field tested the Acratech for a week In the cold of the Eastern Sierras region, I would like to voice my opinion on this new and interesting item.

CONSTRUCTION
Upon receiving the ball head, I proceeded to dismantle it completely and was pleasantly surprised at what I found. Scott Dordick's (head of Acratech inc.,) mastery of mechanics at the expense of economy is evident throughout. Quality materials and precision machining are abundent. Wherever possible the aluminum components have been lightened by drilling or machining without sacrificing strength.
To be sure, the ball and socket system has been around for many decades, Scott devised the clever design to suit weight and operation. Scott is a machinist and a photographer.
The camera clamp is better made than the RRS one that I have, but mine is an early one.
The laser etching for the pan graduations is flawless.
The finish is excellent though I would like to see fewer sharp edges.

HOW IT WORKS
There are two tensioning knobs. The upper one is used to set the limits of free play, the main or bottom one is used to loosen and tighten the ball. Unlike some ball heads, this one can be set to hold the camera at a steady friction that will not loosen to the point of dropping the camera. A single knob controls panning friction.
To prevent accidental removal, all knobs are captive, that is they cannot be unscrewed completely without first removing a set screw within each knob.
I have suggested to Scott that the tension knob be eliminated and replaced by a set screw, and the main adjustment knob be made more comfortable. I was told that both were in the planning stage.

For the sake of objectivity, I will compare the Acratech to the Arca Swiss B1 ball head.
In my opinion, the Arca, though it reigns supreme, has one flaw and one inconvenience, the ball binds and resists moving if unused for a time, and to aim the camera in a downward position, one must seek the vertical slot that allows the ball neck to be placed in a horizontal position (thus aiming the camera vertically).

The Acratech solves the binding problem in a simple but clever way.
Since the friction is caused by aluminum against aluminum (anodizing helps but not completely), the Acratech uses a machined ABS plastic insert between the ball and its jaws and in the panning control as well. The result is a very consistent smoothness without binding at all degrees of friction.
For the vertical problem the 45 degree socket solves it quite handily since the ball can be tilted forward in a wide arc.

The drawback of the Acratech is that while it can be tilted forward easily, to aim the camera up it is necessary to turn the ball/clamp sideways, a bit of a nuisance, similar - but not as annoying - to locating the vertical slot in the Arca.

CONCLUSION
The Acratech performed flawlessly attached to a Gitzo G1228 carbon fiber tripod to support a Leica M6 or Contax RX with lenses up to 200mm. With longer lenses visible shake was present but part (if not most) of the problem was the tripod. On a Studex the head was much more solid.
Coupled with the G1228 (or the equivalent Bogen/Manfrotto) or, most especially a Hakuba, it is a winner for back packing since the head weighs a mere 15 ounces. However, I would not recommend it (nor the G1228) for heavier cameras or longer lenses (Scott tells me that a larger head is in the planning).
The Acratech on a heavier tripod will support easily a Hasselblad with lenses up to 150/180mm.
I have used many ball heads, this one is a winner for simplicity, function and weight-to-strength ratio.
And the fact that it is available with left-hand controls is an added bonus.

THE SPECS
  • Weighs 15oz (.45kg) with quick release clamp
  • Easily holds over 25 lbs (11.4kg) at any angle
  • Full movements allow any camera position
  • Precision C.N.C. machined
  • Available also with left side controls
  • Compatible with Kirk, Arca, R.R.S., ClearSight, and many other QR plates
  • Beautiful satin black anodized finish
  • Fits all standard tripods (1/4-20 and 3/8-16 threads)
  • Engraved degree markings
  • Solid precision feel
  • Made in USA
  • Ball will not shift when tightened
  • Oilless and greaseless ball will not attract or hold dirt and debris
  • All knobs are secured so they cannot vibrate loose and fall off
  • Patent pending
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